Greencaviar Travel

Ishigaki — Nature’s Quiet Masterpiece My journey through Japan begins not in the bustling cities or ancient temples, but on the remote, subtropical shores of Ishigaki — one of the smallest and southernmost islands in the country. It’s part of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, a region known for its distinct culture, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking natural beauty. Kabira Bay As a nature lover, it felt only natural to start here. Located on the northwestern edge of the island chain, Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is one of Japan’s most treasured ecological preserves. The park covers not only the lush mountains and forests, but also the vibrant coral reefs and pristine beaches surrounding the island. It’s a hiker’s paradise — but during my visit, the temperatures soared into the 90s Fahrenheit, and the intense humidity made it feel well over 100. Hiking in those conditions just wasn’t practical. Still, I found refuge — and awe — in the panoramic views from the mountain ...

Taiwan: A Nature Lover’s Journey with a Few Surprises I knew I would enjoy Taiwan’s nature—no question about that. What I didn’t expect was how different my experience in the city, particularly in Taipei, would be from what I imagined. Taipei: Not What I Expected Before arriving, I pictured vibrant night markets full of sizzling street food, quirky shops, and non-stop energy. While all of that does exist, the reality of experiencing it in the sweltering heat was something else. The extreme humidity drained my energy and appetite. I had big plans to explore food stalls and eat like a local, but the weather made that nearly impossible. Thankfully, a local friend came to the rescue and took me to a restaurant- one I could actually enjoy the local food  in the comfort of air conditioning.  . Instead, what stood out was Taipei’s modern and sleek side—towering skyscrapers, high-end malls, and fancy restaurants. It reminded me of other progressive Asian cities, polished and glo...